Hyundai Vision T plug-in hybrid SUV concept teased ~ station of gear

Luke Wilkinson 2019-11-14 16:30

Hyundai's new prototype will be unveiled at the 2019 LA Motor Show, sporting an active front grille and a pair of hidden LED headlamps

Hyundai will unveil a new plug-in hybrid compact SUV concept at this year’s Los Angeles Motor Show. Called the Vision T, it’s the third concept vehicle the Korean marque has launched this year, following the retro-styled Hyundai 45 electric SUV from the Frankfurt Motor Show and the 400bhp iMax N Drift Bus.

We expect the Vision T concept will preview the forthcoming 2021 Hyundai Tucson. Its front-end styling is remarkably similar to our recently spied facelifted Tucson mule, sharing the same trapezoid-shaped radiator grille, the same splitter design, similar triangular headlamps and a pair of near-identical air ducts on either side of the bumper.

• Facelifted 2021 Hyundai Tucson spied testing

Stand-out design features of the Vision T concept include an electrically operated charging socket flap, a full-width rear light bar and a pair of hidden LED headlamp lenses, which share the same texture and pattern as the radiator grille – and which appear to vanish into the bumper when not in use.

The concept’s front grille is also fitted with a set of active vanes, similar to those found on the Aston Martin DBS GT Zagato, which can automatically open when the combustion engine requires cooling. Once the engine temperature drops, the vanes close again to maximise aerodynamic efficiency and fuel economy.

Hyundai is yet to confirm any details on the Vision T’s underpinnings or powertrain. However, given the concept’s size, styling and name, we expect it will be based on an updated version of the current Tucson’s platform and powered by a reworked version of the 139bhp 1.6-litre four-cylinder PHEV unit lifted from the IONIQ.

What do you make of the new Hyundai Vision T concept? Let us know in the comments section below…

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